134 
ON CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM. 
purpose of ascertaining its conservative powers. It is barely 
so clear as it then was, but differs in no other particular. 
The other phial, to which a little alcohol was added, has 
kept nearly three weeks without any visible alteration. 
When tested for iron, they both yield precipitates as before. 
It may be further remarked, that this preparation is com- 
patible with caustic solution of potassa, and no doubt the 
other alkalies and their carbonates. 
As a therapeutic agent, the albuminate of iron is highly 
spoken of by M. Lassaigne and other high authorities, who 
recommend it as a preparation especially adapted by its 
nature, on theoretical grounds, for combining with the tis- 
sues of the body. It will, no doubt, ere long, take a pro- 
minent situation among the most esteemed of our chaly- 
beates. 
The Chemist. 
ART. XXX. — OBSERVATIONS ON CYANIDE OF POTAS- 
SIUM AS A REMEDIAL AGENT. 
By Mr. David Stewart, of Baltimore. 
This compound of cyanogen has been recommended as a 
substitute for prussic acid, and when it is desirable to obtain 
the effects of that valuable agent in combination with medi- 
cines which cannot easily be administered except in pow- 
der, it is a convenient substitute for it. Several difficulties, 
however, attend its use in any form. One of the most 
formidable is its variable effect resulting from its partial or 
